Author: Robert Wallace

Advice on How Best to Travel Safely With Your Pipes

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Well the good news is Barry got his pipes a couple of days after he arrived home, writes the Editor. The bad is that one projecting mount was chipped and there were other nicks here and there. I wondered if the imitation ivory had been deliberately cut to test for the real stuff. The leaflet that tells you they have been into your suitcase has a disclaimer regarding any damage…

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Review: Uist & Barra Professional 2023

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The first thing to say is what a total success this comeback meeting, the first for three years, was. The standard of play, particularly in the light music, was as good as has been heard at this stage of the competitive year. Yes, there was some ring rustiness – but only some. For the most part the ten pipers entertained the large crowd grandly, with even those who didn’t make…

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Editor’s Notebook: North Lanarkshire Schools PB/ Jet Travel/ Uist & Barra/ Braemar/ PS Conference

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Speaking to Ross Cowan regarding the recent expansion of teaching in North Lanarkshire, he tells me he has 120 kids on practice chanter and 12 moving on to pipes this year. Who says there’s no interest out there? Other Scottish local authorities cutting back on their schools music tuition should look to this Motherwell-based council for the way forward. Says Ross:  ‘The band will be depleted this year as a…

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Editor’s Notebook: JAX School/ North Lanarkshire Job/ Donald, Willie/ Letters/ USPF

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We had 40+ students at this year’s Florida Pipes & Drums Academy in Jacksonville. The intake represents a good bounce back after covid. We introduced a new grading system for the pupils this year. It placed them on an attainment ladder which we hope will encourage them to advance upwards. June, one of our students and herself a teacher, said she was impressed with the care and concern the tutors…

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Editor’s Notebook: British and Cowal/ Band Displays/ Tune Plea/ Alan Watters and Donald MacLeod

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Contrary to the impression given by RSPBA Chairman Kevin Reilly in last week’s story on the cancellation of the British Championships, the Association did not approach Cowal Gathering about the possible transfer of parts of the competition. Mr Reilly was referring to an approach to an events company in the town who mentioned the use of ‘Cowal Stadium’. Cowal Gathering Chairman Malcolm Barclay has since contacted the RSPBA to clarify…

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